12.21.2016

I always say that it takes a LOT to impress me when it comes to makeup (and makeup adjacent products) so when I find a few items that I’m really, really into, I always throw together a roundup post. These three gems are in my current rotation, and for good reason. Here’s why…

It Cosmetics Heavenly Skin CC+ Skin-Perfecting Brush #701 and #702: So, even though I’m obsessed with how cute the black and white makeup brushes are in my holiday gift guide are, you really can’t beat these brushes from It Cosmetics…and here’s why. To me, usually a makeup brush is just a makeup brush. Yeah sure, you can get nicer ones that have better quality bristles but, if I’m being honest (duh), I usually choose my brushes based on CUTENESS. There it is. However, when I met with the It Cosmetics PR team back when they were in LA for an event my mouth literally DROPPED when their PR Director (live for her, btw) told me that their brushes are so much more than just pretty…

These two makeup brushes are infused with anti-aging collagen, silk, peptides, niacin and antioxidants. YES, that is correct. These brushes have the same ingredients in them that your best anti-aging skincare products have. WTF. Why did I not think of this?!

The brand says that you can pair it with your skincare (who doesn’t love applying moisturizer with a brush?), as well as any color-infused powders, foundations, etc. After using it for a bit you absolutely WILL notice that it helps blur away the appearance of lines, pores and other blemishes on your face. These brushes are my new obsession.

Benefit Soft & Natural Brow Kit: Truth be told, I don’t really do anything to my ‘brows except for tweezing the occasional stray hair underneath the brow line (see my brows here). I know, I know I’m very lucky that I don’t have to fill-in, wax, tweeze, sugar, etc. (believe me, I have a myriad of other “issues”). But when I met with the Benefit team a few months back and they demonstrated this new brow kit I was VERY intrigued. For starters, I like that it’s specifically for NATURAL-looking eyebrows. I don’t know about you guys but I legit don’t understand how anyone has time to do those “Instagram ‘brows” that my world is constantly inundated with. I mean, sure, they look really great (at night, mostly) but I would never put the time into that on a daily basis, even if I had sparse eyebrows…maybe that’s just me? Anywho, this all-in-one starter kit is perfect for people like me who don’t want to go crazy, but instead maybe want to change up the shape a bit or maybe darken the color.

The kit includes the goof proof brow pencil which features a custom teardrop tip that lets you softly glide on color for easy filling and shaping. The high brow highlight & lift pencil instantly brightens your arches, while ready, set, BROW! 24-hour setting gel locks brow hairs in place, leaving you perfectly polished all day long. And then, of course, you get the brand’s Tips & Tricks pamphlet and special eyebrow stencils so you can play with different looks to see what you like best. I have to admit, even an eyebrow “naturalist” like myself is into this kit.

e.l.f. Makeup Remover Pen: First off, let me start by saying this is the best $3 you will ever spend when it comes to makeup, especially it you’re a #hautemess like me and constantly smear your makeup all over the place. This pen quickly removes small makeup smudges and smears with out taking off ALL your makeup (i.e. you don’t have to start all over). It’s gentle and non-greasy and now it’s a purse staple for me. Done deal. Oh, I should also mention that it’s infused with vitamin E, cucumber and chamomile to moisturize and soothe the skin…which is getting a LOT for $3.